Photos: 21st annual Pat’s Run filled the streets of Tempe

As the sun rose Saturday morning in the East Valley, the shadow of the Pat Tillman statue in Mountain America Stadium covered the finish line of the 21st annual Pat’s Run, a metaphor for the presence the late football standout still has in the community.

Pat’s Run was started in 2005 to commemorate the memory of Tillman, an Arizona State football standout from 1994 to 1997 who was later drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998.

Tillman enlisted in the U.S. Army after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and three years later was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire. To honor Tillman’s life and dedication to duty, a group of his friends and family looked for a special way to celebrate. Honoring the 42 of his ASU jersey, they chose to make the distance of the race 4.2 miles. Approximately 5,500 people participated in the first race.

Pat’s Run has expanded dramatically since then, with about 30,000 participants in recent years. The Pat Tillman Foundation offers scholarships to veterans, active military personnel and their families, and this event is the main source of funding for the organization. Others just race to honor Tillman and all past and present military members while also inspiring the next generation of the U.S. Army.

Pat’s Run quickly grew into a community event. This year featured a “Tillman Tailgate” filled with music, food and drinks. Mascots from Valley sports teams also joined in on the fun.

ASU football coach Kenny Dilligham, the reigning 2024 Big 12 Football Coach of the Year, served as official starter. Joined by his family, he addressed and encouraged the runners at the starting line before they began the 4.2-mile course.

Many participants run in their Tillman shirt that is provided by the Tillman Foundation. Others, however, honor Tillman in a unique way by running or walking in their service uniforms, including bomb squad outfits, full military uniforms and firefighter uniforms to honor his sacrifice.

A painted red and yellow line across the 42-yard line at the stadium represents the finish line. As they come across, public address announcer Jeff Munn calls out the names and ages of some of the finishers to showcase the diversity of runners. As finishers walk through the tunnel of the stadium, they receive an official 2025 race medal.

The race benefits the Tillman Scholars program, which encourages military families to serve and occupy leadership roles. Pat’s Run is more than a race.

It fills the streets of Tempe with bravery and courage.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.